Nahart is a three piece plus bass out of Barrie, who deftly mix a great blend of punk & alternative rock with raw creative talent. Having played with Supernova back in 2007, the trio went on to win 2 more Wildcard votes in 2009 and 2010 thanks to the support of their fans.
With tons of practice on stage these past few years, Nahart is now getting ready to hit the recording studio. Given how much I like the rough recordings they've done, I’m really excited to hear their music cut at a professional level.
Not only does the band have a long history with Supernova, but I’ve actually encountered guitarist Mike Smusiak before; randomly debating Rancid on Facebook – small world, huh? They also have a killer drummer, rotating bassists, and a 3+ year history. If anything, it speaks to Nahart’s deep musical interest and desire to take on the industry. I also like to think their song “I’m Dying to Read that Article” is somehow a time-defying shout out to this very interview (whoa!)
In all seriousness, Nahart has some pretty interesting answers to share in their interview, and definitely earned their place as a Featured Artist… so without further ado:
Introducing Nahart Nahart is three creative people making destructive music. The two frontmen, Mikey 417 and Mike Smusiak, pretty much share equal duties, splitting guitar/vocals/bass. However, Mikey 417 finds his sonic niche by manipulating his guitar through a variety of pedals.
Mike Smusiak, on the other hand, uses a pretty bare rig in comparison, but still manages to make each song completely unique. Having played in a Country Folk trio and several Acoustic projects, Mike brings a lot of stylistic depth to the table. He also handles most of the band's Public Relations duties.
Then there's Sarah: drummer, wheelman, sister of Mikey 417, and main source of constructive criticism. She's always the first to alert the band when things aren't going well, and it keeps all of us striving for a level of pride in our music. If we're not proud of it, you won't hear it.
What is Nahart’s history; how did you get your name, and what got you where you stand as a band today?
Mikey 417: Nahart stands for NOBODY AROUND HERE ACTUALLY REMEMBERS TOMORROW. We got to this point by getting along, and sharing a constant desire to make music we enjoy and that challenges our abilities. Many people have come and gone. Smusiak and I met in high school and have been in Nahart since the beginning. I've known Sarah since birth.
How would you describe your sound?
Mike Smusiak: LOUD! But also melodic. Meloudic? Yeah. That'll do.
Mikey 417: Loud, hard, fast, and always changing styles.
What other artists do you look up to?
Oh, wow...The Beatles, Nirvana, NIN, My Chemical Romance, Johnny Cash, Bad Religion, NOFX, Minor Threat, The Bouncing Souls, AFI, Black Sabbath, Billy Talent, Pink Floyd, Green Day, Cancer Bats, The Misfits... to name a few. We have a very eclectic list of influences. Put all of that together, and sure enough, you get something really crazy. That's Nahart.
What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
Mike Smusiak: Creating something unique as part of a close-knit collective.
Mikey 417: The ability to express your thoughts and feelings to others.
Was there any particular moment that made you want to pursue music full time?
Mike Smusiak: July 16, 2006. My first successful show, which was also Nahart's first successful show in it's original lineup. I loved music before that, but that date marks the moment I began to love performing.
Mikey 417: I've always enjoyed music. When I heard Nirvana and NIN as a child, it showed me that good music can be made by normal, talented people - and that someday I could do it, too.
How did your band find Supernova.com?
Mike Smusiak: We found Supernova through word-of-mouth years ago. It’s a great tool for gaining live experience, as well as networking with other local bands.
What would be your band’s ‘motto’ or ‘recipe’ for putting on a good show?
Mikey 417: Practice, practice, making yourself comfortable up on stage and playing with lots of heart and energy.
Mike Smusiak: Play loud, play passionately, and don't get stressed. A song can tank, but the next song is a new opportunity to kick ass.
What is the biggest challenge facing ‘new’ artists, in your opinion?
Trying to find a unique sound and get heard in a highly-competitive, highly-saturated market. Its not just about being good enough, either - networking is vital.
Do you think there's such a thing as ‘bad’ music?
Mikey 417: Yes. 'Bad' music is music made not from a desire to convey a message or help people. It is music without passion.
What else should new listeners know about Nahart?
Mikey 417: We do not have a full-time bassist. That's somewhat odd.
Mike Smusiak: Also, we like to put stuffed crows on our amps/Sarah's drum kit. Yeah. It's pretty excellent. To get what we're about, I really think you just have to come see for yourself.
Right now we're recording a series of tracks. We have about an hour's worth or material that we want to start getting out there online. So stay tuned, and in the meantime, check out our new acoustic track "I'm Dying to Read That Article" and of course check us out LIVE & find us online!
Without the fans, none of this would be possible.
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Though they may be in serious need of some better quality recordings, I really recommend taking a listen to Nahart's tracks and videos here at Supernova.com - if you like old school hardcore punk, the recording quality might even make you a little nostalgic :)
However, I'm anxiously awaiting this band's HQ material... don't forget to toss Nahart a 'HEART' if you dig their tracks, and help get the band some extra exposure as they get ready to release their new recordings.
